Ending the 3 years of neglect...
As mentioned in my earlier post, I started studying Biomedical Science in Sep 2010. My previous studies took me to "entry level" in chemistry or pharmacology labs (as I currently have HNC[higher national certificate]s in both Applied Biology and Chemistry). I did start a day-release BSc in Chemistry back when I was around 19, but that fell through once my agency lab job at Ineos Chlor went from full-time to part time. £800 a semester was no longer a go, given the circumstances. I digress...
The course I'm on is most likely a BSc equivalent, ie. I can gain access to courses at Master level after this. The fundamental differences being that, although the course is 3 1/2 years in length, the course is modular (14 in total) and you gain approx. 9mths-1yr practical experience in the field, within several clinical disciplines (Biochemistry/Hæmatology, Microbiology, Histology/Cytology, Immunology and Nuclear Medicine). Thus, I will be done with the course end 2014. Having just completed the 7th module, I've got beyond the halfway mark. 6 modules and a dissertation to go. Did I mention? All på dansk (in Danish).
Compared to what I experienced in England, it is financially significantly easier to study in Denmark, as you do not pay course fees. On the contrary, if you meet certain requirements, the state will furnish you with a reasonable grant and a loan under a very reasonable interest rate throught the duration of your education. This is available to all Danes, and foreigners who fit a very tight criteria. After jumping through several hoops, I managed to meet this criteria, so my money worries and unemployment-based gloom ceased after starting the course.
My studies have been going quite well, and to date I have only recieved grades that I consider "greater than satisfactory". Although the pressure is now in studying hard maintaining the standard I have placed upon myself. This, he says when updating livejournal instead of writing a short essay on quality assurance in genetics laboratories (it's non-compulsory and I don't get a grade out of it :-))...
Once I'm done, there appear to be two possible avenues. The first is to get out into workplace, the other being to study further and choose a masters course. The latter seems the most appealing to date, pending whether I wish to go further academically (and professionally) via that route.
At the end of this month, it will have been 4 years since leaving the homeland. A lot has happened within the last 4 years through which myself and my life have met radical change. It's a little of a coincidence that I start writing again, as my 4th anniversary here nears.
If I'm honest, there's a lot I miss back in Blighty. Family, friends, access to decent indian takeaway and places to dance the evening/night away to good music and good company. Not withdrawing the fact that, I have in the past 4 years made a lot of new friends and have gained a flock of in-laws. But grass being greener on the other side, and whatnot. I guess that comes with living abroad. Alternatively, it could be that I merely miss the old days in the face of changing times.
Since starting my course, I've found myself very busy for very good reasons and finally myself and Camilla have now got Lily.
Lily arrived on 26 December 2011, after us heading to hospital just after midnight. Poor Camilla spent Christmas Day in labour, but Lily's arrival was much worth it. Lily is now just under 5 months old and is a perfect mix of the both of us in looks and personality. Her laughter is truly priceless. I feared the responsibility, but she's all worth it :-)
For more about Denmark, and the things that annoy: this is well covered in my friend Jonathan's blog (http://gotshpilkes.tumblr.com/)
If I'm missing anything, let me know. Otherwise, that's me all caught up.
Normal service resumes soon.